A preferred German strategy would avoid building the High Seas Fleet, keep Belgium neutral, and hold defensively in the west while dealing with Russia. Britain would then face no German battle fleet designed to threaten it and might even become the naval transport partner for a later move against France. This alternative connects prewar procurement directly to diplomatic freedom. It also changes the operations Germany could attempt once war began.
Notable Point · 23:10-24:23
A different German plan would avoid the High Seas Fleet
The preferred German war plan has no High Seas Fleet or Belgian invasion, and keeps the west defensive while Russia is handled first.